Anyone ever work for fotojack.com?

nobody

No, this is not a spam for them by any means. I am just curious if any other action / sports types have worked for them and what kind of deal they offer. They cover some triathlons and other races in my local area (Knoxville / east TN). They charge about $28 for a fullsize digital file. Before I created my own pro account here on SM, I applied to their site, but was not accepted, most likely for lack of high-end equipment. I currently have only an XTi with the 50 mm f/1.8 and 70 - 200 mm F/4L. Fotojack's suggested minimum equipment is going to set you back at least $4k, maybe more.

At this point, I can't see how anyone who photographs triathlons and such would be better off there than with SM, but I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's ever done work for them. Certainly, if you have a URL and most of the people in the race know to go there and look for photos, then that has to be better than taking a small cut of some large corporation's profits. In my case, I have been competing in these races before I started photographing, so already know a lot of my potential clients, where the key bulletin boards are, etc. The only advantage I can see to working for something like fotojack is no need to manage and pay for a website as we do with SM. The advantage of SM over fotojack is I can also use it for noncommercial purposes.

LUCKYSHOT

nobody wrote:

No, this is not a spam for them by any means. I am just curious if any other action / sports types have worked for them and what kind of deal they offer. They cover some triathlons and other races in my local area (Knoxville / east TN). They charge about $28 for a fullsize digital file. Before I created my own pro account here on SM, I applied to their site, but was not accepted, most likely for lack of high-end equipment. I currently have only an XTi with the 50 mm f/1.8 and 70 - 200 mm F/4L. Fotojack's suggested minimum equipment is going to set you back at least $4k, maybe more.

At this point, I can't see how anyone who photographs triathlons and such would be better off there than with SM, but I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's ever done work for them. Certainly, if you have a URL and most of the people in the race know to go there and look for photos, then that has to be better than taking a small cut of some large corporation's profits. In my case, I have been competing in these races before I started photographing, so already know a lot of my potential clients, where the key bulletin boards are, etc. The only advantage I can see to working for something like fotojack is no need to manage and pay for a website as we do with SM. The advantage of SM over fotojack is I can also use it for noncommercial purposes.

I have never heard of Fotojack, but here on Long island we have Long Island Sports Network and I believe they work the same way (independant photographers covering events). I have a 40D XT and XTI with all L glass and that still isnt what they are looking for as far as equipment. ( I understand they like MARK 3s) anyway more power to them, I prefer Smugmug and my sales. I shoot what I want,when I want and The reputation I have was earned by me is mine. The advantage to these big companies is they usually can put the word out better as to where the pictures are. They will go to a tournement or event with a huge turnout and they have the manpower to generate buzz, While you and I have to work very hard on large events to let people know where the pictures are. I usually do not shoot tournements or very large events but If you have contacts or now how to get the word on your pics out, I say go for it, Let your pictures earn you your reputation, I will be willing to bet thats what fotojack and LISPN did. As far as managing a web site goes, I was so afraid of customizing my site here, that lasted for all of a day until I asked my first question and I was hit with a ton of help, suggestions, feedback and Ideas and when I had a problem that was big(in my mind) The WEB Wonders of SmugMug itself stepped in to rescue me. If you sign up you can use this coupon for $5 off the subscription price LqyvOzoYEVz5E
Best of luck
Chris

nobody

LUCKYSHOT wrote:

I have never heard of Fotojack, but here on Long island we have Long Island Sports Network and I believe they work the same way (independant photographers covering events). I have a 40D XT and XTI with all L glass and that still isnt what they are looking for as far as equipment. ( I understand they like MARK 3s) anyway more power to them, I prefer Smugmug and my sales. I shoot what I want,when I want and The reputation I have was earned by me is mine. The advantage to these big companies is they usually can put the word out better as to where the pictures are. They will go to a tournement or event with a huge turnout and they have the manpower to generate buzz, While you and I have to work very hard on large events to let people know where the pictures are. I usually do not shoot tournements or very large events but If you have contacts or now how to get the word on your pics out, I say go for it, Let your pictures earn you your reputation, I will be willing to bet thats what fotojack and LISPN did. As far as managing a web site goes, I was so afraid of customizing my site here, that lasted for all of a day until I asked my first question and I was hit with a ton of help, suggestions, feedback and Ideas and when I had a problem that was big(in my mind) The WEB Wonders of SmugMug itself stepped in to rescue me. If you sign up you can use this coupon for $5 off the subscription price LqyvOzoYEVz5E
Best of luck
Chris

Thanks for the info. In terms of equipment, you are about where I hope to be in a year or so. I am taking a fairly disciplined approach in that I am trying to limit additional equipment purchases to what I've made in sales. The next things on my list are (1) the 24 - 70 mm f/2.8 L lense, and then (2) the 40D. The 1D is out of my price range, and for sports, I think the 5D is overkill. The smaller crop would be great for landscapes and such (which I rarely even attempt), but when I need more reach to zoom in on action, I'd find myself tempted to buy long, fast L lenses, which cost an arm and a leg.